blazinbob

Hey all, first off thanks to this forum, I got enough confidence to actually try this myself. It really was a pretty easy swap, well easy except for this little problem That and how to get that black thumb dealio off (I broke it).

Anyway, got the old ignition switch out and new one installed, everything works, accessory, pre start power, fuel pump powers up, check engine light etc, except no engine crank. I pulled it back out, made sure everything was lined up in the proper position, reinstalled no dice. Double checked cable connections, everything looks good.

I swapped the old one back in, 4.0 fires right up. Put the new one in, everything works, but no engine crank, no solenoid clicks, no nothing. Put the old one back in, fires right up.

The only thing I can offer is whatever that toothpick looking thing that runs down the middle of the key switch is, I wasnt expecting it and wasnt super gentle pulling the old ignition switch out, so I 'MAY' have snapped a piece of it off in the old switch, but honestly under close inspection it doesnt look like anything broke off.

Appreciate any guidance.

-bob

blazinbob

Ok so it looks like I was talking about the Actuator Rod and as far as I can tell as long as it rotates I should be good, which it is doing. You think I got a bad switch from Autozone?



-bob

freegdr

thats just the key switch is it turning just as far as old one

Radi

Wouldn't be the first. Bad or the wrong one.

If it starts fine with the old switch installed but not with the new switch installed and nothing else has changed- it's the switch.

blazinbob

Just talked with Dorman who makes the Actuator, that piece of plastic doesnt do anything, it's just a guide. I also talked with WellsVE who makes the Ignition switch I bought, he confirmed that piece of plastric does not engage anything and you should be able to start the car with just a screwdriver.

You live you learn, I'm gonna head back to AZone and get a another ignition switch, looking like the biggest culprit right now. Oddly enough since I put the old switch back in, it has been working just fine. I'm sure until I put the dash back together again.

Thanks for the FB

-bob

blazinbob

Quick Update: DO NOT BUY a Duralast Replacement ignition switch from Autozone for your circa 1997 Cherokee. I drove all over God's creation to find another AZ store that had one in stock to replace the replacement Ignition switch I bought at the other AZ that didnt work.

Made no sense, use a screwdriver, works like a champ, bolt it in, nothing. Get another switch, same bleeping problem

Then I got a bright idea. Why dont we try a switch from another Parts store.

3 ignition switches and a long story short, Advance Auto Ignition Switch worked the first bleeping time, hallelujah......................

-bob